Philadelphia 76ers 114–109 Indiana Pacers: match recap

Match recap

The Philadelphia 76ers outlasted the Indiana Pacers 114-109 in a tightly contested matchup on the road. Despite the Pacers slight advantage in the model's team form comparison (51.9% share), Philadelphia's superior three-point shooting and foul-drawing ability proved decisive. Indiana's shorthanded lineup, missing Tyrese Haliburton, fought to the finish but could not overcome a 6-0 run in the final two minutes.

Playing without Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring), the Pacers leaned heavily on Andrew Nembhard's playmaking (14 assists) and Pascal Siakam's efficient 26-point night to stay competitive. Philadelphia countered with balanced scoring: Tyrese Maxey's 27 points and Joel Embiid's 21/11 double-double anchored the starting unit, while Anfernee Simons provided a 20-point spark off the bench, hitting six three-pointers. The game swung in the fourth quarter when the Sixers tightened their perimeter defense, holding Indiana to 25% from deep. A clutch stretch of free throws by Maxey and Jaylen Brown sealed the win, despite the Pacers holding a narrow advantage in rebounding and bench scoring per the form comparison.

Key factors

• Philadelphia's three-point shooting (36.1% vs. 25%) proved the biggest statistical separator, giving the 76ers a +3.9% eFG advantage per the model's shooting efficiency driver.
• Indiana's depth was tested without Haliburton, but Andrew Nembhard's 14 assists kept the offense flowing, though the team managed only 109 points on 52.9% shooting.
• The Pacers' advantage in rebounding (+2 boards) and bench scoring (+4 points) was neutralized by Philadelphia's 19-11 advantage in free throw attempts and better marksmanship from long range.

The Analyst's take

The Pacers, even short-handed, matched up well, but their 3-point variance and lack of a secondary creator behind Nembhard were costly. Rebounding and bench depth kept Indiana close, but the Sixers' big-game experience in the closing minutes was the difference — a theme that could repeat if these teams meet in the postseason.